On Monday, Feb 16, 2026 there were gunshots fired off at an ice hockey rink in Rhode Island.

          There were gunshots fired inside the ice rink, they echoed through the packed rink. This left 2 individuals dead, and 3 others injured. A police statement was given, “The gunman appeared to have been targeting members of his own family” (Hammond, Feb 16, 2026). The shooting unfolded behind one of the team’s benches in the middle of play. A video from youth-sports-streaming service LiveBarn shows. In the footage both teams are taking cover while at least a dozen shots are left off.

         There were high-school-aged skaters at the rink as well. According to Jack Reed, “Another person tried to disarm the shooter in the stands” (Reed, Feb 16, 2026). The suspect was found with what looked to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The three injured are being treated at a hospital in Rhode Island. Police are still trying to put together a timeline. They responded to the facility at 2:30 on Monday, but they’re not sure what the relation between the victims and the shooter are. 

          It was the 41st mass shooting across the US, in the first 47 days of the year. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley gave a statement, “This kind of violence especially in a place meant for families and youth is devastating” (Smiley, Feb 16, 2026). Two teams made up of students from multiple schools were playing hockey at the arena, North Providence told CNN, “The shooting involved spectators and happened around the start of the first period” (Smiley Feb 16, 2026). After this shooting the victims are currently being taken care of and the suspect is reported dead.